TORONTO - BOSTON — Ray Bourque had to pull up his Bruins roots to finally win a Stanley Cup.

But Mark Recchi would prefer to retire a Cup champion with the Bruins rather than play another season where he could pass Bourque for 11th place in NHL career points.

Recchi reached the exclusive club of 12 on Tuesday with an assist in a 3-0 win over Chicago, edging Paul Coffey with 1,532. Bourque is 47 points away for Recchi, who can add to his 70 against the Leafs on Thursday in Boston.

The oldest active player in the NHL at 43, Recchi intends to add to his 133 playoff points once the Bruins determine they’ll finish second or third in the Eastern Conference. Another Cup would be his third after titles in Pittsburgh (1991) and Carolina (2006) and he told the media this week that a third would be the perfect way to exit.

“I’m hoping we get on a long run. It’ll be real easy for me,” Recchi said Tuesday.

Recchi is averaging 16:08 of ice, with 47 points and is a plus 17. He has been on a second line with fellow winger Brad Marchand, born in 1988, the same year Recchi joined the NHL with the Penguins.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Boston captain Zdeno Chara on Recchi’s longevity. “He still competes, he still has the desire and love for the game and a lot of passion. To have such a player, leader and person on your team is such a big help.”

Coach Claude Julien added: “At the age he’s at, the way he’s performing is pretty incredible. He brings some wisdom in the dressing room, but he also brings some enthusiasm. He’s young at heart, and players sense that.”

It has also been a busy year tracking team records for shutouts. When Tim Thomas posted his ninth of the year against the Blackhawks and 26th overall, he tied Gerry Cheevers for fourth on the Bruins’ list.